Your guide to all things prospect, courtesy of Jonathan Mayo

POTY, Part Deux

It’s time to take a look at a few more Player of the Year candidates. Five were listed in yesterday’s post. Here are more for your consideration. Keep in mind, this isn’t only about prospects — it’s about best player in the Minor Leagues. But feel free to send in suggestions for candidates.Domonic Brown, OF, Phillies: Is he a candidate more because of his prospect status? Perhaps, but the Futures Gamer is having a heckuva year. Between Double- and Triple-A, Brown has hit .325/.388/.586. He’s got 19 homers, 63 RBIs and 14 steals in 86 games. He’s among a small group of players closing in on 20-20 seasons in the Minors.

Jared Goedert, 3B, Indians: Back in his first full season (2007), Goedert began like a house on fire in Class A ball and finished the year with 20 homers and a .317/.431/.590 line. Two years of so-so to below-average production followed, with a shoulder injury playing more than a little part. He’s pain-free now and has split the year between Double- and Triple-A, hitting at both stops. He’s hitting .321/.383/.623 on the year with 23 HR and 65 RBIs in 83 games. He’s tied for fifth in homers and is sixth in SLG. Kila Ka’aihue, 1B, Royals: What’s this guy got to do to get a
realn shot? Two years ago, he was a Player of the Year candidate when he
hit a combined .314/.456/.628 with 37 homers and 100 RBIs. He’s at it
again in 2010, hitting .307/.460/.588 with 20 homers and 67 RBIs in 81
Triple-A games. He’s fourth in OPS in the Minors and second in OBP.

Jerry Sands, 1B, Dodgers: As a 25th rounder in 2008, he’s had to prove himself every step and it looks like he might be doing it. The 22-year-old started back in the Midwest League this year, but after hitting .333/.432/.646 in 69 games, he got double-jumped to Double-A, where he’s held his own (.293/.406/.610). Combined, his 1.062 OPS is second-best in the Minors, he’s tied for second with 26 homers and he’s fourth with a .637 SLG.

Mike Trout, OF, Angels: Trout has been nothing short of fantastic in his first full season of pro ball (Come on Kevin Orris, you didn’t think I’d forget him, did you?). He won’t turn 19 until early August and he’s already been promoted to the Class A Advanced California League. So far, the jump hasn’t seemed particularly daunting, with a five-game hitting streak and a .320/.433/.600 line over seven games. His .359 combined batting average is second best in the Minors and his .452 OBP is fourth. He’s second overall with 45 steals as well. Others worthy of consideration: Dan Johnson, Marc Krauss, J.D. Martinez, Paul McAnulty, Matthew Rizzotti

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